Idaho Cities by Population 2026

Idaho’s local government structure consists of 44 counties and approximately 200 incorporated municipalities, where counties typically manage regional services while municipalities focus on localized needs. The state recognizes both cities and towns, with legal distinctions based on population and area needs, though they share similar powers under state law. Counties in Idaho deliver services across broader, often rural regions, handling tasks such as law enforcement, infrastructure maintenance, and land management.

In Ada County, which includes Boise, the state’s largest city and capital, government is organized under a mayor-council structure, with Boise’s mayor acting as the city’s executive, overseeing services like policing, public transportation, and planning. The Boise City Council passes local laws, establishes budgets, and oversees urban development. Ada County provides services in unincorporated areas like Eagle and Meridian, handling law enforcement, public health, and infrastructure for communities that rely on the county in lieu of municipal governance.

Idaho’s smaller municipalities often adopt a council-manager system, where elected councils hire a city manager to handle day-to-day administration. The city of Caldwell, for example, uses this model to streamline city management, focusing the council on policymaking and leaving administrative functions to a professional manager. This approach is common in Idaho‘s medium-sized towns, balancing professional oversight with local representation.

County governments in Idaho are organized under boards of commissioners, elected to manage regional services like road maintenance, zoning, and emergency response. In rural counties, such as Lemhi County and Shoshone County, local government focuses on agricultural land use, environmental management, and basic public services, as these counties have vast unincorporated areas that rely heavily on county-level governance.

The state also designates Census-Designated Places (CDPs), such as McCall, where counties administer services without formal municipal incorporation. In these regions, counties play a critical role in addressing local needs while adhering to state requirements and coordinating with state and federal agencies on issues like land conservation and water rights.

Idaho’s counties and municipalities also collaborate with regional planning organizations to manage growth, economic development, and environmental protection, ensuring that local decisions align with broader state and regional objectives.